First Crossings, the dynamic and avant-garde festival section dedicated to discovering bold new film languages within the short film form, returns for its 7th edition as part of the esteemed Tribute to a Vision cross-border film festival. This year’s edition is particularly momentous, as it unfolds in the twin cities of Nova Gorica (Slovenia) and Gorizia (Italy), proudly designated as the European Capital of Culture 2025. Set in the heart of the cross-border region, the festival celebrates the transformative power of cinema and the unifying spirit of culture.

We invite filmmakers to explore the concept of borders in its broadest sense—whether through form, content, or theme. First Crossings seeks to amplify original, daring, and underrepresented voices that challenge conventions and spark meaningful dialogue. We welcome short films of all genres that embody social, dramatic, and transformative impact, showcasing the boundless potential of the short audio-visual form.

Call for Entries is Now Open!

Deadline for Submissions: August 1, 2025

About First Crossings

FIRST CROSSINGS is a platform for brave, innovative, and youth-hearted filmmakers who push the boundaries of cinematic expression. Now in its 7th edition, the festival continues its mission to discover and showcase cutting-edge films that redefine the art of storytelling. Whether from emerging talents or established auteurs, we seek works that dare to explore new perspectives and lay the foundation for novel film languages.
Organized as part of the Tribute to a Vision film festival program by the renowned audiovisual center Kinoatelje, First Crossings offers a symbolic cash prize for the best short film, as determined by our esteemed jury and cherished audience members.

Submission Guidelines

• Platform: Submissions must be made via FilmFreeway.
• Eligibility: Open to short films from around the world.
• Length: All genres and formats up to 30 minutes are accepted.
(Films must have been completed between 2022 and 2025.)
• Subtitles: Non-English films must include English subtitles.

Festival Dates and Venue

From 07-12 October 2025, the festival will take place in the cross-border region of Nova Gorica (Slovenia) and Gorizia (Italy), cities celebrated as the European Capital of Culture 2025. This unique setting underscores the festival’s commitment to bridging cultures, fostering dialogue, and celebrating the transformative power of art.

Awards & Prizes

• Jury Award: 500 euros
• Audience Award: Recognition and acclaim

Rules & Terms

1. Submission Period: April 1, 2025 – August 1, 2025.
2. Entry Fees:
o General submission: 15 $
o Special fee for Slovenian/Italian authors and production companies: 5 $
o Student discount: 10 $
3. Eligibility:
o Films must have been completed between 2022 and 2025.
o Non-English films must include English subtitles. English-language or multilingual films must have closed captions in English.
4. Originality: Filmmakers must own the rights or have permission to submit their work.
5. Online Availability: Films must not be publicly available online (without password protection) to be eligible for awards.
6. Multiple Submissions: Filmmakers may submit multiple works, but each requires a separate entry fee.
7. Screening Rights: By submitting, you authorize the festival to use, distribute, and share film materials for educational, promotional, and non-commercial purposes. Awarded films may be screened at alternative events without additional permission.
8. Premiere Status: While premiere status is not required, accepted films cannot be withdrawn from the festival.
9. Transport Costs: The festival does not undertake to cover transport costs for filmmakers or crew.
10. Non-Competitive Sections: Selected films may be screened in competitive or non-competitive sections without screening fees.
11. Technical Issues: Filmmakers are responsible for ensuring their submissions meet technical requirements. Films with playback issues or missing subtitles will be disqualified without refund.
12. Acceptance of Rules: Submission constitutes full acceptance of the festival’s rules and regulations.

Waivers: Fee waiver codes are available for festival alumni and Slovenian/Italian authors or productions. Please contact us for details.

Contact
For assistance or inquiries, filmmakers can reach us at:
nagrada.darko.bratina@gmail.com

We eagerly anticipate your bold, visionary, and transformative films as we celebrate this milestone edition in the European Capital of Culture 2025. Join us in shaping the future of cinema!

Learn more about the festival:
https://www.poklonviziji.com/

3 Reviews
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  • Laura Heinig

    Very special festival in one city divided by the Slovenian-Italian border and all the more connected by the inhabitants and this festival. Great films, welcoming, inspiring. Thank you for selecting I FEEL YOUR SILENCE.

    November 2024
    Helpful
  • Erik Sémashkin

    Very nice experience in this region, with warm people and a great selection. THANKS !

    November 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Erik! It was a pleasure having you as a guest!

  • Eneos Çarka

    this is a great festival that I always enjoy returning to!

    October 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Eneos, you are definitely one of our favorite alumni! Your films are becoming better and better each year, that we can't wait to see what is your next project! Looking forward to having you as a guest in person!